Abstract: The records of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and its related subcommittees contain approximately 199 cubic feet of textual
materials, 1700 cassette tapes, 51 CDs, and 26 VHS tapes. The records are organized with the records of the Standing Committee
first, followed alphabetically by the names of the Subcommittees.

Physical location: California State Archives

Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English

Administrative Information

Access

While the majority of the records are open for research, any access restrictions are noted in the record series descriptions.

Publication Rights

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.

The Senate Judiciary Committee was among the first committees created during California's first legislative session. On December
21, 1849, the third standing committee of the Senate to be created was that of Judiciary (1850 Senate Journal, page 28). Initially,
the Senate Judiciary Committee was granted jurisdiction over "so much as relates to hanging for stealing," any "Act of Congress
in relation to the grant of swamp and overflowed land," and any "repeal, amendment, or enactment of laws" (Ibid., page 51).
In 1854, the standing committee's focus was substantially narrowed to address matters which "[relate] to amendments of the
State Constitution" (1854 Senate Journal, page 58).

The jurisdiction of the committee remained relatively the same over the intervening period. By 1945, the Senate Judiciary
Committee had expanded its scope to include "all bills amending the following codes: Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedure,
Probate Code, Penal Code, and [all] statutes of a penal nature not related closely to a subject embraced in some other code"
(Legislative Committees: 1945-1946, page 20.1). In 1953, the Senate Judiciary Committee added "Corporations Code, except for
Corporate Securities Act" to their jurisdiction, where it remained until 1969 (Legislative Committees: 1953-1954, page 15;
California Legislature Handbook 1969, page 131). In 1967, bills amending the Evidence Code were added to the standing committee's
range of topics (Legislative Committees 1967, page 51). In 1975, the Senate Judiciary Committee's scope was again expanded
to include "Bills relating to municipal and state court judgeships, court attaches and personnel" and "Bills, relating to
corporations, that do not affect the Corporate Securities Act." "Bills relating to corporations" were removed from the standing
committee's bill assignation in 1983 (California Legislature Handbook 1975, page 109; California Legislature Handbook 1983,
page 96). In 1981, "Bills relating to the Youth and Adult Corrections Agency" were added to the Senate Judiciary Committee's
scope (California Legislature Handbook 1981, page 97). In 1985, the standing committee's focus on bills amending the Civil
Code was more strictly defined to exclude "measures related to retail credit claims" (California Legislature Handbook 1985,
page 102).

In 1995, the Senate Judiciary Committee significantly revised much of its prior scope. Jurisdiction over the Evidence Code
was more strictly defined to exclude "matters relating to criminal procedure," the addendum to the Civil Code was revised
to exclude "measures related to retail credit interest rates," and bills related to the Youth and Adult Corrections Agency
were removed entirely (California Legislature Handbook 1995, page 103). Additionally, in 1995 the standing committee added
bills amending the Family Code to their broad range of topics.

The Senate Judiciary Committee member's head count has fluctuated over the course of its history. Claiming as few as three
members, as in 1850, and as many as twenty, as in 1905 and 1907, the standing committee's membership has averaged about twelve
members. However, as of the 2009-2010 legislative session, the committee was comprised of only five members.

For a complete list of committee chairs, please see Appendix A in Additional Information.

The records of the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary and its related subcommittees contain approximately 199 cubic feet
of textual materials, 1700 cassette tapes, 51 CDs, and 26 VHS tapes. The records are organized with the records of the Standing
Committee first, followed alphabetically by the names of the Subcommittees. The series described throughout this record group
include Bill Files (1969-2004), Hearing Files (1850-1986), Subject Files (1961-1979), Correspondence (1857-1982), Minutes
(1862-1895), and Reports (1850-1979).

The Bill Files document the legislative bills directed to the Standing Committee on Judiciary and the Subcommittee on Administration
of Justice. The files include committee analysis, letters from interested parties, and the comments of affected agencies.
Bill files are extremely useful to researchers seeking to track the evolution of a bill and to gauge the public's response
to specific legislation. From 1995 to 2004, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard thousands of bills covering a broad range
of topics. Some recurring issues addressed during this period include: mobile home regulations, elder and dependent abuse,
public records, eminent domain, internet privacy, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, gender discrimination, payday
lenders, and workplace harassment. This diverse subject range reflects the broad reach and scope of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The Hearing Files pertain to the committee's investigation of certain topics. The files include agendas, transcripts, precedent
and background materials, internal and external correspondence from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Researchers
may note that Hearing Files from earlier sessions of the standing committee are available in the form of bound transcripts,
whereas more recent files frequently include audio cassettes in the place of text. Hearing files may originate from either
the standing committees or subcommittees.

The Subject Files contain various types of information deemed useful to the committee. In the course of drafting legislation
and holding hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee usually requires a fair amount of supplemental data regarding their respective
topics. These files include additional information on an existing bill or hearing file, material related to proposed legislation,
or documents related to committee administration. The subject files inventoried here originated from the standing committee
between the years 1961 to 1979. The topics, ranging from Family Court to traffic, again illustrate the expansive scope of
the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Other file types originating from the Senate Judiciary Committee include Correspondence, Reports, and Minutes. The Correspondence
series contains letters and memoranda relevant to the committee. Authors, recipients, subjects, and dates may vary greatly.
Types of documents include hearing schedules, pending and proposed legislation, bills referred for study, press releases,
and news clippings. The Reports document the committee's findings on various topics of study referred to them. These files
originate from the standing committee and the Senate Subcommittee on Narcotics Trafficking. The Minutes document the proceedings
of a meeting of the committee on a specific date. As these files are from the earliest years of the committee's history,
they originate only from the standing committee.

The Senate Judiciary Committee records also include the records of many subcommittees. The subcommittee files focus on specific
judicial issues and contain material such as public hearing files, bill files, reports, and correspondence.

Accruals

Further accruals are expected.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.

Burton, John L., Oral History Interview, 1986-1987, Conducted by Julie Shearer, Oral History Program, Regional Oral History
Office, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, For the California State Archives State Government Oral
History Program

Calderon, Charles, Oral History Interview, 2003, Conducted by Lawrence B. de Graaf, Center for Oral and Public History, California
State University, Fullerton, For the California State Archives State Government Oral History Program

Keene, Barry, Oral History Interview, 1994, Conducted by Carole Hicke, Oral History Program, Regional Oral History Office,
University of California, Berkeley, For the California State Archives State Government Oral History Program

Rains, Omer L., Oral History Interview, 1990, Conducted by Arlene Lazarowitz, Oral History Program, California State University,
Fullerton, For the California State Archives State Government Oral History Program

Song, Alfred H., Oral History Interview, 1986, Conducted by Raphael J. Sonenshein, Oral History Program, California State
University Fullerton, For the California State Archives State Government Oral History Program

All bill files from 1969 to 1994 are found on microfilm, with subsequent years to be added on an ongoing basis. Audio/videotapes
have been removed to cold storage and separation sheets are included within the file folders to indicate this. Bill files
from a subcommittee may be found under the series descriptions for that committee.

Hearing files created by the Senate Judiciary Committee may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material,
internal and external correspondence from interested parties, and relevant news clippings.

Some notable standing committee hearing topics from 1850 include the organization of the State Supreme Court and District
Courts, the regulation of civil case proceedings, divorce, and the erection of a flagstaff. Hearing file records are absent
for the years 1851-1957. Between 1958 and 2008, hearings covered a wide range of topics, including juvenile court procedures,
medical malpractice, wiretapping, the death penalty, waste disposal services, handgun regulation, inverse condemnation, child
support payments, rent control, Roberti-Roos Assualt Weapons Control Act of 1989, earthquake readiness, assisted suicide,
and Proposition 8: Amending the constitution to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry.

Hearing files from subcommittees may be found under the series descriptions for that committee.

Audio/videotapes have been removed to cold storage and separation sheets are included within the file folders to indicate
this.

For a complete list of hearings, see Appendix B in Additional Series Information.

The correspondence files contain letters and memoranda relevant to the committee such as hearing schedules, pending and proposed
legislation, bills referred for study, press releases, and news clippings.

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings.

10/1977-05/1979: Family Law Advisory Commission Hearings on the Need to Reform the Family Law Act of 1969, General, Meetings,
Progress Reports and Recommendations, and Survey Responses (12ff) LP219:144-153 and LP219:155

10/25/1978-1979: Domestic Violence, Scope and Definition of and Discussion of Possible Legislative Proposals, Background Report
Recommending Legislative Modifying the Family Law Act of 1969 and Commentary thereto, San Francisco (2ff) LP172:264 and LP219:143

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Administrative Adjudication of Traffic Offenses,
Advisory Committee Comments and Recommendations held on September 27-28, 1976 in San Diego.

Senate Subcommittee on Adoptions Records1961

LP37:5A

Series 1
Hearing Files1961

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Adoption Procedures and Investigation of Illegal
Child Placement Activities in Southern California held on December 5-6, 1981 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Bail Records1973

LP184:109-110

Series 1
Hearing Files1973

Physical Description: 2 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Irregularities in bail procedures in Los Angeles
County and SB1113 (1972 Session), Revision of Provisions on Deposit of Bail held on January 19, 1973 in Los Angeles.

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on SB3, Proposed Uniform Consumer Credit Code held
in 1972 in Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection Laws Records1973

LP184:111-112

Series 1
Hearing Files1973

Physical Description: 2 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Legal Enforcement of Consumer Protection Laws held
on October 24, 1973 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Corrections Records1982

LP257:162

Series 1
Hearing Files1982

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Standards and Training for Correctional Peace Officers
held on October 8, 1982 in Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Corrections and Law Enforcement Agencies Records1985

LP230:154

Series 1
Hearing Files1985

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on SB14, Reorganization of the Child Welfare System,
Joint Hearing with Assembly Human Services Committee held on October 17-18, 1985.

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Compensation and Exemption of Jurors held on November
1, 1973 in Montebello.

Senate Subcommittee on Landlord/Tenant Law Records1978

LP172:265

Series 1
Hearing Files1978

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. From the hearing on Landlord-Tenant Laws as they Apply to Residential
Dwellings held on October 30, 1978 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Law Enforcement Records1984

LP230:152

Series 1
Hearing Files1984

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Files are from the hearing on Extension of Prison Terms for Violent
and Mentally Ill Offenders held on December 7, 1984 in Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Mechanics' Lien Laws Records1964

LP204:206-207

Series 1
Hearing Files1964

Physical Description: 2 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Files are from the hearings on Citizens' Advisory Committee on Mechanics'
Liens Hearings on Revisions to State Laws held on July 27-December 17, 1964 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Mental Illness Records1959

LP54:9

Series 1
Hearing Files1959

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Files are from the hearing on SCA3, "Bill of Rights for Mental Freedom,"
held on December 9, 1959 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Narcotics Trafficking Records1975-1976

LP111:5-7, LP136:15

Series 1
Hearing Files1975-1976

Physical Description: 4 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings.

10/9-22/1975: Study of Illicit Importation and Distribution of Narcotics, Dangerous Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances
and Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Attempts to Combat, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach (3ff) LP111:5-7

02/04/1976-07/14/1976: Study of Illicit Importation and Distribution of Narcotics, Dangerous Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances
and the Role of State Law Enforcement Agencies at Combating, Sacramento (1ff) LP136:15

LP194:132

Series 2
Reports1976

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of report.

Scope and Content Note

The reports document the subcommittee's findings on various topics of study referred to them. File is from the report on Illicit
Importation and Distribution of Narcotics, Dangerous Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances from July 14, 1976.

Senate Subcommittee on Peace Officers1976

LP172:248-252

Series 1
Hearing Files1976

Physical Description: 5 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Files are from the hearing on Study of Peace Officer Status, Peace Officer
Powers by the Various Law and Quasi Law Enforcement Agencies in California, Documentary Supplements (01/15/1977) of the Pertinent
Documents Received by the Committee held on October 22-November 10, 1976 in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Privacy and Government Record Keeping Records1978

LP207:236

Series 1
Hearing Files1978

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. File is from the hearing on Operations of California Information Practices
Act, 1977 held on December 28, 1978 in Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Products Liability Records1977

LP172:256

Series 1
Hearing Files1977

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. File is from the hearing on Product Liability Law held on April 15,
1977 in El Monte.

Senate Subcommittee on Service of Civil Process Records1972

LP184:107-108

Series 1
Hearing Files1972

Physical Description: 2 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. Files are from the hearing on Proposed Merger of the Los Angeles County
Marshal's Office into the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department held on December 6, 1972 in Los Angeles.

Senate Subcommittee on Trial Precedence Records1976

LP184:124

Series 1
Hearing Files1976

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings. File is from the hearing on Calendaring of Criminal and Civil Proceedings
held on April 2, 1976 in Sacramento.

Senate Subcommittee on Unfair Trade Practices Records1960

LP54:10

Series 1
Correspondence1960

Physical Description: 1 file folder

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of correspondence.

Scope and Content Note

Correspondence contains letters and memoranda relevant to the committee and includes hearing schedules, pending and proposed
legislation, bills referred for study, press releases, and news clippings.

Senate Subcommittee on Violent Crime1975-1980

See below for LP numbers

Series 1
Hearing Files1975-1980

Physical Description: 5 file folders

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Scope and Content Note

Hearing files may include agendas, transcripts, precedent and other background material, internal and external correspondence
from interested parties, and relevant news clippings.